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Opening day for skiing is just a few days away, but that only means that the fun is about to begin on the mountain. If you and your family are longing for an early trip to Snowshoe Mountain this year to learn how to ski, then December is the perfect time of the year to visit. After you and your family decide when you’d like to come visit, there are some pretty exciting things happening on the slopes. Let’s look at some of the fun events that are coming to the area for the month of December.

Free Lesson Day & WV Free Ski Day

Do you and your family live in West Virginia and would like to ski? This is the perfect event for you and your family to attend this year. On Sunday, December 9th come to the mountain and ski for free. If you don’t know how to ski, then take a free lesson. What a wonderful trip you can make the weekend by staying in one of our Ski In/Ski Out vacation rentals and ski for free! Just make sure that you bring a valid ID and proof of residency so that you and your family can get a free lift ticket. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!

Winter Brew Fest

Are you looking for a fun adult adventure that you and your loved one can take part in? Come to the Winter Brew Fest that is being held on Saturday, December 15th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Your ticket will include a sampling glass, tickets and enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening for some great adult fun! Get your tickets today before they are all gone! Just have a great time enjoying some fun maybe with some friends while you are on vacation in the mountains this year.

Holiday Celebrations

Come to Snowshoe Mountain for the Holidays this year and ski away with the family. From December 21st to January 1st there will be different activities that you and the family can attend. From competition races to holiday crafts to classes that you can take part in. Plus get the chance to meet Santa and his friends on the slopes! Don’t miss out on the holiday fun this year!

There are many other activities and events happening during the month of December but there are the ones we’d thought your family would enjoy. If you’d like to come sit by the fire while you watch others ski, you can do that. Sometimes just spending a holiday away from your home can be a relaxing vacation for everyone. We at First Tracts hope that you and your family have a wonderful winter vacation to Snowshoe Mountain this December!

Every year for Thanksgiving, many people prefer to stay home and have all the family over. But there are many people who like to be adventurous and visit new places for the holiday. This year make a new tradition with your family and come stay in one of our Ski In / Ski Out vacation rentals for Thanksgiving. Snowshoe Mountain has already seen it’s first snowfall of the year and we even had snow over the weekend. Let’s see why you must visit this Thanksgiving at Snowshoe Mountain.

Quality Time with Family

The start of Thanksgiving Day for many families will begin with the adults and children, gathering in front of the television watching The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As the aroma of the turkey cooking in the oven or the preparation begins in the kitchen. Spend part of the day spending time with your loved ones by playing board games or a game of Uno. Then have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day meal sitting in the dining room of your rental and then have a nice quiet evening by the fire. Spending the day with your family means you get all the quality time in the world with them. Sometimes we all like to be too busy to sit down and not do a thing once in a while. Make this holiday the best one you’ve had in a long time.

The View

When you stay in one of our Ski In / Ski Out vacation rentals, you will not only have the beautiful view of the mountains, but you may have a view of the snow. Snowshoe Mountain is beautiful to look at during the early morning hours, as the sun is coming up over the ridge and peeping through the clouds. When you think about it, it still feels like heaven when you visit the area. Take family pictures of the kids playing in the snow or just use the mountains as a backdrop for your Christmas cards this year.

Skiing & Snowboarding

We mentioned before that it has already snowed of the season and that only means it is the start of the season soon. Snowshoe Mountain will open up their ski season on November 21st this year! How exciting is that? So, while you are on your vacation, you can always hit the slopes for an early start to the beginning of the ski season. You can snowboard as well during this time and if you are looking for passes for your ski sessions they will be available for you to purchase while you are there or before you come for Thanksgiving. Let the family enjoy the day skiing or snowboarding and go back into your rental and have some hot chocolate by the fire.

While you could be staying home and eating the traditional Thanksgiving meal at home, we thought you’d enjoy this idea a little better. If you are still searching for a place to stay at, then you should check out what First Tracts has available for your next holiday adventure. We hope to see you this Thanksgiving and spending it on the slopes or with your family!

Summer is just about over and that only means that Fall is coming. Pretty soon the colorful foliage will be the main event this fall and you can’t miss seeing that. When you come visit West Virginia in the fall it’s like heaven to most. And when you stay in one of our vacation rentals, you will be close to the beauty. There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying a cup of coffee overlooking a mountain with fall colors.

Mountain Biking

Snowshoe Mountain is well known for skiing and snowboarding during the winter, but did you know that in the fall you can go mountain biking. Yes, there is the Snowshoe Mountain Biking Park that is one of the top mountain biking parks in the area. With over 40 trails that you can choose from to go down, there is something for all ages and experience levels. If you don’t have a mountain bike, then you will be able to rent a downhill bike for $149 a day and you can rent your child one too for $59 a day. If Mountain biking down a hill isn’t your thing, there are other biking trails in the area to take advantage of.

Hiking

If you love the color of the trees changing and the nice fall crisp air, then why not do some hiking. There are many hiking trails that you can take advantage of while you are visiting the area. One trail you can take advantage of is Cranberry Wilderness area trails which is situated in Pocahontas County. There is Allegheny Trail, Greenbrier River Trail, North Fork Mountain Trail and Shavers Mountain Trail. But remember when you go hiking to stay on the trails and don’t hike after dark. This can be a great way to capture some wonderful pictures or even portraits of your family.

Golfing

Since the weather will be turning cooler, it only means that you will be able to enjoy golfing a little more. Hitting a tee shot at the Raven Golf Club or at Pocahontas Country Club is just what you have been wanting. The Ravel Golf Club is an 18-hole Gary Player signature golf course for those who want something fun and challenging. Pocahontas Country Club is another public golf course that has a beautiful rolling terrain for you to play two rounds of golf if you want to in the day. Perfect for a day of fun with either the family or the guys.

There are many activities that you can take enjoy of while you are visiting the Snowshoe area during the fall. If you have a big family, we do have 5-bedroom vacation rentals for you to take advantage of. We can’t wait to see you this fall and help us make this a yearly tradition to visit during the cooler months.

The annual FreeFall Festival is returning to Snowshoe Mountain from August 31 – September 2, 2018 with a fun filled weekend for the everyone to enjoy. Come stay Labor Day weekend with First Tracts in one of our vacation rentals so you will be close to the fun. The activities are all free for you to enjoy with exception of the Brew Fest on Friday Night. Look below for a sample of the schedule for the weekend events.

Friday, August 31st

5:00 – 6:15 pm Flow Yoga is a fun filled class to help you get out of your comfort zone and play with new yoga moves.

5:45 pm FreeFall Brew Fest which will be in the Village Plaza. You will be able to sample some of the region’s finest craft brews but you will have to purchase tickets to attend.

8:30 pm Watch the Fireworks which happens to have some of the best views on Skidder Slope! What a fun way to end the weekend than with seeing some fireworks!

While there are many other activities for the weekend, these were just a sample of what events are happening. For those of you who might be interested in some of the events and classes, be sure to register online as they can fill up quickly. Don’t let summer pass you by before school begins so come visit Snowshoe, WV this coming Labor Day weekend! We can’t wait to see you at the event!

Do you have a family vacation planned in one of our vacation rentals this summer but not sure what to do? Have no fear as we know where all the fun happens to be. Summer time in the Snowshoe area is just as fun as the winter time. Let’s take a look to see what family-friendly activities there are.

Shavers Lake & Lift

Shavers Lake is one of the area’s best kept secret and is located at Snowshoe Mountain. Hop onto Ballhooter Lift that will take you down to the lake. Once you have arrived at the lake, there are several things for your family to enjoy. There is a beach area which features an area that offers snacks and beach accessories for you to purchase. As well as an inflatable floating challenge course, paddle boats, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards. For the younger children, there is a pirate ship with a mega-tower playground. With so much to do, make sure you get here early. You can purchase the pass to be able to do this online. Be sure to check the hours of operation before you plan your trip.

Green Bank Observatory

Do you have a scientist in your family and want to have a day of learning? Then head on over to Green Bank Observatory for a day of science fun. Admission into the Science Center is free but for those who want to do an hour-long telescope tour you will have to pay. Prices for the tour are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, kids 10 & under are free as well as Active and Veteran Military. They do the tours hourly so you won’t miss out on the fun if you don’t get there in time. Please note that the area where the observatory is at, you will not have cell or Wi-Fi service. The summer hours for the science center are May 25-September 3, 2018 from 8:30 am to 7 pm. The tours begin at 9 am and end at 6 pm.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Have a little one in the family who loves trains and wants to experience one? If you do then you should head to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for a little fun and even get to take an unforgettable ride on a train. Located in the historic town of Cass, WV you will find a park that will take you back into history for the day. A time where all you had was a train to get from place to place and not a car. There is even a company store that is open from 8 am to 8 pm where you can eat at a restaurant, visit the museum or purchase something from the gift shop. Stop by the visitor’s center to learn more information about the park and keeping it authentic. View the tickets here to see which ride looks fun to you.

Beartown State Park

If you are looking for strange rock formations or cliffs to take amazing pictures from look no further. Beartown State Park is located on Droop Mountain’s eastern summit where you will be able to find this beautiful 107 acre area. You and your family will be able to see strange rock formations, overhanging cliffs and even some huge boulders. These were all made up of the Pottsville Sandstone which happens to date back to the Pennsylvanian Age. Don’t miss out on what nature has to offer you on this amazing visit.

Falls of Hills Creek

Falls of Hills Creek is in the Monongahela National Forest that is roughly 114 acres of land. You and your family will be able to enjoy 3 beautiful waterfalls and one of the cleanest streams in the state. There happens to be a boardwalk with a length of approximately 1700 feet that will allow you to get some beautiful shots of the first waterfall. For those of you who love wildflowers, then you will be able to find more than 40 different species of them on your way.

There are many more activities within the area that are family-friendly for all ages. And there are different events happening all summer long that your family will enjoy. We can’t wait to see you this summer while you are on your family vacation. Allow us to help you make new memories and want to come back and visit for years to come.

The annual Wine and Jazz Festival returns to Snowshoe Mountain from June 15-17, 2018 with a full line up of live entertainment, fine wines and a Sunday brunch. Come stay with First Tracts for the weekend in our comfortable accommodations then attend the whole festival or just come for the day but be sure not to miss it!

4:00 p.m. Grand Tasting
The Grand Tasting will be held at Snowshoe’s Skidder Slope. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of wine and delicious food prepared locally. Let the smooth sounds of jazz put you into a tranquil state of bliss.

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch
An Al Fresco Brunch Special will be hosted by the Junction Restaurant in the heart of the Village. This unique offering includes a combination of breakfast and lunch items, Bellini and Mimosa specials available as well. Kid friendly options are also available.

Beginner and avid mountain bikers will get a thrill at the Snowshoe Bike Park where downhill mountain biking consists of trails that contain naturally rugged terrain and man-made and natural features that will challenge any level rider. A downhill specific mountain bike is recommended when riding the trails in the Snowshoe Bike Park.

Following is a description of the different levels of trails available at Snowshoe Bike Park:

Easiest: Moderate descents with obstacles such as rocks, gravel, roots, bridges, and water ditches. Must have ridden a bike before using these trails. Trails include: Easy Street, Access Road, Bike Park Left, and Walking Path.

Expert Only: Without exception, expert mountain bikers should be the only riders on these trails. Some of the elements you will encounter will be large, natural and man-made jumps, elevated narrow features, mandatory drops, long and steep terrain on loose or rock surfaces. Trails include: Trail A, B, and I.

All riders must possess a valid ticket or pass to enter the Bike Park. Before riding always inspect your equipment and have you bike checked by a qualified bike mechanic.

When you’re planning an outdoor wedding one of the most important factors to consider is the weather. You can’t imagine a more beautiful place for a wedding ceremony than on top of a mountain like Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia.

Besides the obvious concern over rain there should be equal consideration to extreme summer heat and strong winds. Somewhere between all of these extreme elements of weather that Mother Nature throws at us are some very beautiful days quite suitable for an exquisite Snowshoe Mountain wedding no matter where on the mountain you hold it.

Spring days during March and April are chock full of some beautiful days with a few chilly days with strong winds scattered in. May, June and July are probably the best days to schedule a wedding on Snowshoe Mountain before the heat of summer arrives. Keep in mind the later in the season you hold your wedding, the warmer it will be. By mid- to late September it will begin to cool off.

Making plans for a Snowshoe Mountain wedding takes time so start early and it’s anybody’s guess as to what the forecast holds for months into the future. The best advice is to make your plans for a mountain top wedding but have an alternate back-up plan just in case of inclement weather. That way you’re prepared no matter what Mother Nature offers up.

With the calendar telling us that spring is here the real estate season begins to heat up. Sadly, with that said, the Snowshoe Mountain ski slopes will be closing soon With all the free time that will provide you, now is the time to take advantage of some hot deals on real estate. Why not take an up-close-and-personal look at the following three reasons why now is the time to make that purchase!

Soaring Eagle Lodge #212
A very tastefully decorated 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo at beautiful Soaring Eagle Lodge. It is in outstanding condition and has never been on a rental program. This home features a 1,421 sq ft open floor plan, granite, stone fireplace, washer/dryer, balcony with excellent eastern sunrise and courtyard views. This home is attractively priced, rental ready, and is an end unit with a nice location close to the hearth room. A true must see. Just reduced $25,000 to now just $299,900. Contact David at 304-376-1657 or dsimmons@FirstTracts.com for details.

Hawthorne Valley 30
This majestic 4,800 sq ft mountain family retreat is tucked into Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia, the premier ski resort on the east coast. The private estate’s 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms lends itself to large family holiday gatherings, reunions, multi-family ski vacations and spring, summer and fall getaways. A huge open fully-equipped kitchen that flows into the dining room and great room with large screen television makes gathering with family and friends a joyous occasion. Contact Pete Monico for additional details at 304-704-6249 or pmonico@FirstTracts.com

2409 Mingo Flats Rd
This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom home was once set up to be handicap accessible and could easily be converted back. Mingo Flats Road just off of US 219 only 1 mile from Pocahontas County line. Only 6 miles to Snowshoe Mountain Resort and 45 minutes drive to shopping in Elkins WV. Amazing setting with 360* views of the Upper Tygart Valley River Valley. The spacious 2,816 sq ft house has a whole house generator w/smart switch for automatic activation. Large fenced in garden. Listed at only $247,500

If you’re thinking about bringing your pet along on that ski vacation this year you’ll be pleased to know First Tracts has many Snowshoe Mountain pet friendly vacation rentals available for you to choose from. We know your pet is your companion and they enjoy traveling with you and your family.

We have the following valuable tips to remember when traveling with your pets:

Pack enough food. If you’re not sure the food your pet regularly eats will be available at your destination then bring some from home. Vacation is not the time to change your pet’s diet.

Fresh water. Always carry fresh water, especially if you’re driving here from another place and times when you plan to be outdoors, like on the beach.